House passes first bill sponsored by rookie Rep. Van Epps

Driving the news: The bill requires the secretary of Homeland Security to provide Congress with a classified report about terrorist activity in 19 countries designated as Major Non-NATO Ally nations.

• The designation gives those countries access to security cooperation from the U.S. and possible trade deals for defense equipment.
• Egypt, Australia, Japan and Argentina are among the 20 MNNA countries.

Between the lines: The report would detail the terrorist groups that operate in those countries, describe their activities and provide details on what the partner nations are doing in response.

• The legislation is still pending in the Senate.

What he's saying: "We cannot ignore the fact that foreign terrorist organizations continue to operate in or around some MNNA countries, creating threats that could have serious consequences for U.S. national security," Van Epps said in a House floor speech.

Flashback: Van Epps won a special election last year to represent a district that includes much of Nashville as well as surrounding suburban and rural areas.

• He's running for reelection in November.